2019 Harley-Davidson FXDR Power Cruiser First Look Preview

After its big announcements earlier this month detailing plans for entering key new market segments—including the electric bike scene—Harley-Davidson is unveiling a new machine that proves it has no intention of leaving behind its core audience. Introducing the 2019 FXDR: a fat-tired, big-bore power cruiser that says "batteries are for suckers."

The FXDR expands the softail line and features the 114ci Milwaukee-Eight engine. Earlier this year, our Fat Bob 114 put down 82.32 hp at 4,660 rpm and 111.39 pound-feet of torque at 2,260 rpm.

To distinguish the FXDR from other Softails, H-D gave it an aluminum swingarm and subframe, “lightweight wheels,” and “composite fenders.” Harley claims the swingarm saves about 10 pounds and the subframe another 7, for a “running order weight” of 668 pounds.

The FXDR wears a truly massive 240/40 rear tire, but Harley saw fit to give the bike the most cornering clearance of any bike in the Softail lineup. Compared to the Fat Bob, it has a slimmer 120/70 tire up front. The spec sheet indicates the FXDR is more raked out than the Fat Bob and has a nearly 5-inch-longer wheelbase. Like its stablemates, it features a 43mm inverted fork and a preload-adjustable rear shock. ABS comes standard.

As its geometry implies, Harley is taking inspiration from the dragstrip. That’s carried through to the styling where a stubby rear end (complete with a trunk—for stowing junk, presumably) sits opposite an LED headlight surrounded by a minimalistic cowling. The FXDR builds on Harley’s recent styling motifs, ditching chrome for blacked-out engines and matte finishes.

MSRP is $21,349 for black and $21,749 for one of six featured color schemes.